In truth, the only baked goods I’ve ever whipped up with some modicum of success have required me to merely add water and eggs to a pre-packaged mix… which neither speaks to my greater skills in the kitchen, nor is the freshest option around. So when I saw this super simple, low-key peanut butter banana brownie recipe that require only three good-for-you ingredients by healthy recipe Instagram account @nourishing, you could say that my interest was definitely piqued.
Before we get to the foolproof recipe, let’s first take a look at what makes these flourless brownies a great option for dessert, a pre-bedtime snack, or even for breakfast.
Why we love this peanut butter banana brownie recipe
Aside from the fact that this recipe is so easy a baby could make it—or at least help out with prepwork—it boasts impressive health benefits with each of its three ingredients.
- Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, registered dietitian and author of Read It Before You Eat It
First, we have bananas. One large banana boasts 1.5 grams of protein, 3.5 grams of gut-friendly fiber, and about 500 milligrams of potassium (a mineral that helps to regulate the body’s fluid levels, promote normal blood pressure, digest carbs, and more)—among a range of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activities.
Second, there’s peanut butter. Two tablespoons of it packs a whopping seven grams of plant protein, 1.5 grams of fiber, and about 16.5 grams of fat—a large chunk of which includes oleic acid, a type of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. It also offers vitamin E and polyphenols, both of which can help to regulate your immune system and combat inflammation. “What I have found is that when people include nut [butters] and healthy fats as a part of a diet, especially when this kind of fat is replacing less healthy fat, they feel more satiated,” Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, previously told Well+Good. Tip: To maximize the pro-health potential of peanut butter, aim to find one with as few additives (like preservatives, fillers, sugars) as possible. You can also prioritize high-protein varieties and/or sub in an alternative nut butter of your choice.
Last but not least, cacao is the star player that lends this recipe a chocolatey, fudge-like fix. But cacao doesn’t stop at offering just a rich brownie flavor: It’s also high in minerals including magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium, as well as a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fat.
Since this recipe is well-balanced in macros, rest assured that it’s healthy enough to enjoy for breakfast. After all, experts routinely emphasize eating protein in the morning to power your day ahead, sans an energy crash. However, bananas and cacao are just as beneficial to consume once night falls, as their micronutrients are shown to promote restful ZZZ’s. Not bad for one simple and delicious recipe, amirite?
Flourless peanut butter banana brownie recipe
Yields 9 brownies
Ingredients
3 bananas
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup cacao powder
Nutella or other chocolate frosting, optional
Sprinkles, optional
1. Add bananas to a mixing bowl. Mash them with a fork. Add peanut butter and cacao powder. Mix well with a spatula.
2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Add batter to the dish.
3. Bake at 350°F for 17 to 20 minutes. Let cool before adding desired toppings and slicing. Enjoy!
BTW, in case you were wondering, does peanut butter go bad? The answer is yes, and fairly quickly, too. So, it’s best to store it in the fridge to prolong its shelf life.